6 Things You Should Never Say to a Woman

Women — they are everywhere. From our mothers, sisters and daughters to gal pals and love interests, there’s no escaping them. You may love them, can’t live without them, but ever feel like you are walking on eggshells around the leading ladies in your life?

The words you choose may have something to do with it. That’s right – certain terms and expressions have negative connotations that trigger emotional reactions from women for reasons men may not even think of. We decided to give you guys out there a break so you don’t have to keep playing guessing games. As the saying goes, when the words are in your mouth they are gold, we hope these insights will help you choose them more wisely!

You’re Crazy: Let’s stop beating around the bush now and call a spade a spade. Men have been calling women insane since ancient Greek times. In fact, hysteria was a once a malady, exclusive to women, fabricated by men and later disproved by Freud. What you may not realize is that saying things to a woman like “you’re insane,” “you must be dreaming” or “that never happened,” even if it’s in jest, is invalidating on so many levels. Because essentially, what you are suggesting is that she is a less intelligent, less rational and less well-grounded individual than you, which will automatically put many woman on the defensive.

Why Do You have to Be So Dramatic?: Seriously folks, when was the last time you saw a topless grown-up woman painted purple and wearing a Viking hat while cheering for her team in the bleachers? And you call us dramatic!? We are all guilty of ASB (attention seeking behavior) so don’t blame women for all the histrionics when many guys are very likely to wail at the first sign of a paper cut, gush over gadgets and lose your cool every time a hat trick happens on ice.

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Read more: Dating, Love, Relationships

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Will R.

3:53AM PDT on Mar 23, 2013

Whew! I'm tempted to shout; 'What a bitch!' What man knows about 1. the historical reasons for calling women mad? Anyway some women are mad! This article is telling men to lie to about what they feel at the time! The opposite of what you said yesterday! Are you crazy! (Those 3 words I also say to my insane male friends) its a bit censorious innit? Like this article, 2. a bit dramatic. As for 3. 'You must be having your period'. You want us to be sensitive to your moods even your PMS, but when we try, you shoot us down! 4. 'You look fine'. Now deemed to be an insult because you need details for gods sake! 5. 'Analyzing things to death'. Yeah! Everything except men. A lot of women think we fit in the same 'box/mould. 6. I never call women 'baby' but they call me babes and honey, even though I have stubble. Why? Maybe they don't know the rules that I just made up this second. Pah! The common ground here with men and women is that we are not good at taking criticism.

March 23
send a green star

Alichia R.

4:01AM PST on Dec 21, 2012

Thanks. I think it's good to remember that even if you say these things in a joking way and don't really mean then they can hurt a loved ones feelings. A good reminder to be mindful of what you say and how you say it to someone.

December 21
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Mary D.

3:25PM PDT on Oct 7, 2012

Useful list--thanks.

October 7
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Debbie C.

4:41AM PST on Feb 11, 2012

When I say something my husband disagrees with, he calls me "Blondie" (my hair is light brown) and that really sets me off.

February 11
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luarah g.

8:39PM PST on Feb 8, 2012

thats stereo typing.only 1 are true about me.I analyze things to much.it upsets me when someone confronts me about it.the others arn't true

February 8
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Audra W.

12:22PM PST on Feb 8, 2012

Everyone is different and some are more sensitive than others so the best advice is to really get to know your partner and communicate about the things that are hurtful and practice not doing them. When my boyfriend is annoying I try to focus on his best qualities which can be challenging in the heat of the moment but I really try.

Kevin O.

4:56PM PST on Feb 7, 2012

i think this warning are meant for those who tend to love a woman , some men are outthere just for sex or money from a woman, as for me am taking this points serious because someday i know i will find a woman that deserve my love and i wont be there making her feel bad rather loving her like it ought to be ...women are unique they must be treated nice and sweet

February 7
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Chief M.

6:21PM PST on Feb 1, 2012

thanks

February 1
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Natasha L.

5:34AM PST on Jan 31, 2012

Thanks

January 31
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Nancy B.

6:30PM PST on Jan 30, 2012

Some of these things are a part of society's stereotypes of women's behaviors. Women have been accused of being nags, nervous, hysterical, irrational, insecure, and controlled by their periods. They don't like this anymore than men would like to be accused of being controlled by their wives, unable to admit a mistake or ask for directions, or can only think with their penises, insensitive and non caring. No one likes to be criticized for what he/she considers to be unfair.